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Composition MA Complex Oral Exam Requirements

16 October 2025

Complex Oral Exam Requirements

Please send the title of your presentation, the complete score of the pieces to be analysed (in PDF format), and a recording in the form of a Google Drive or Dropbox link to the study administrator no later than two weeks before the exam. The complex exam will take place during the final exam period: 26 May – 6 June 2026.

 

Length of the exam:

  • 15 minutes: analysis of chosen XX-XXI. century piece
  • 10 minutes: presentation of chosen original piece

 

Examination procedure:

Students are expected to give two separate slide shows (in PowerPoint or Keynote format) to visually support their presented material.

 

Technical requirements:

Please bring your presentation on your own laptop. An HDMI port is available on site. If your laptop does not have an HDMI output, please bring an appropriate adapter.

 

1. Analysis of chosen piece

The presentation should contain:

  • A very brief introduction to the circumstances surrounding the creation of the piece;
  • An analysis of certain formal, structural, harmonic, or other technical aspects of the piece (e.g., rhythmic structures, sound image, instrumentation, textures);
  • A detailed description of the stylistic characteristics of the piece
  • A description of your own approach to performance or interpretation, with particular emphasis on why you consider the piece important and how it relates to your own interests as a composer;
  • Inclusion of visual and/or audio examples (sheet music excerpts, recordings).

 

Important:

The aim of the exam is not to give a historical overview of the piece, but rather to provide a professionally sound, analytical approach to the musical fabric.

The range of pieces to choose from is unrestricted, with the emphasis on the student selecting analytical perspectives that highlight the essential musical aspects of the work and are also relevant to them from a personal point of view.

 

2. Presentation of original piece

In an independent presentation about your own composition:

  • Briefly introduce the piece (circumstances of creation, concept, inspirations);
  • Highlight some important technical solutions or compositional principles that are characteristic of the piece;
  • Make it clear how your own musical thinking and interests are reflected in it;
  • If possible, illustrate with musical quotations and/or recording excerpts;

 

 

Additional considerations:

  • For both presentations, please ensure that they are structured and adhere to the specified time limits.
  • The presentations might be followed by a brief, guided professional discussion.

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